A strong crowd of sugarcane growers turned out for Sugar Research Australia’s Meringa Station Field Day this week, keen to explore the latest research and technologies boosting on-farm productivity and resilience.
The event offered a hands-on snapshot of SRA’s work tackling industry challenges, with growers and other industry stakeholders connecting directly with researchers and field staff on issues impacting their operations.
“As an industry-funded organisation, it’s important for growers and industry partners to see the work SRA is doing, understand how it’s being adopted on farm, and speak directly with the people behind it. That connection is what drives better outcomes,” SRA District Manager, Far North, Paul Calcino said.
“We’re fortunate to work with some of the world’s leading sugar researchers, so it’s great to see such a strong turnout. It shows the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement and the value growers place on practical, locally relevant projects.”
SRA is the principal research organisation for the Australian sugarcane industry, and the Meringa Station at Gordonvale, has been the main variety breeding facility for industry for almost 100 years.
General Manager Variety Development, Dr Garry Rosewarne provided an update on SRA’s breeding program during Wednesday’s event, with other key research presentations delivered throughout the day.
Displays included current research on paraquat alternatives; variety breeding; micro NIR tools; soil health and long-term farming systems; the RSD in the Mill Project; and research into greyback cane beetle control. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries also had a display, featuring drone mapping and spraying.
“Our field days are about showing growers what’s available, what’s coming and how it can work for them on their farms,” Mr Calcino said.
“The feedback this year has been really positive. It’s great for us to showcase to industry how their investments are being spent. And the day is also just a great chance for growers to catch up and enjoy a day away from their farms.”
